Rodri’s Injury Setback Shocks Manchester City Fans After Club World Cup Exit
Manchester City’s dreams of global glory were shattered in a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Al-Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup last-16, but the sting of elimination pales in comparison to the fresh blow dealt to their star midfielder, Rodri. Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind City’s recent dominance, confirmed a worrying update: Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, has suffered a new injury setback just weeks after returning from a grueling recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined him for nearly the entire 2024-25 season.
Rodri’s journey back to the pitch was a beacon of hope for City fans. The Spanish midfielder, widely regarded as the heartbeat of Guardiola’s squad, had been meticulously eased back into action following surgery for a devastating knee ligament injury sustained in a Premier League clash against Arsenal in September 2024. With only seven minutes of top-flight football under his belt since the injury, Rodri’s appearance at the Club World Cup was meant to mark his triumphant return. He entered the fray as a substitute in the 53rd minute against Al-Hilal, raising expectations that City’s midfield would regain its trademark steel. But those hopes were dashed when he was forced to leave the pitch in extra time, visibly uncomfortable after just 47 minutes of play.
Guardiola’s post-match comments sent ripples of concern through the City faithful. He revealed that Rodri had “complained about his situation,” hinting at a new physical issue that now casts doubt on the midfielder’s immediate future. While the manager remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the injury, the timing couldn’t be worse. Manchester City’s elimination from the Club World Cup, a tournament they had hoped would signal a fresh start after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, leaves them with no silverware to chase until the Premier League kicks off on August 16 against Wolves. Rodri’s setback adds another layer of uncertainty to a squad already grappling with challenges, including the absence of midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who is sidelined for three months following Achilles surgery.
The match against Al-Hilal exposed City’s vulnerabilities, even with Rodri’s brief presence. Guardiola admitted his team struggled to contain Al-Hilal’s rapid transitions, with the Saudi side capitalizing on defensive lapses to secure a stunning victory. Despite City creating numerous chances, with players like Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, and Phil Foden testing the opposition, they lacked the clinical edge to put the game out of reach. Al-Hilal’s Marcus Leonardo sealed City’s fate with a 112th-minute winner, a moment that will linger in the minds of fans as a symbol of a season gone awry.
Rodri’s importance to Manchester City cannot be overstated. His ability to anchor the midfield, break up opposition plays, and dictate the tempo has been the cornerstone of City’s success in recent years. His absence last season saw City falter in their Premier League title defense and lose the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace. His return was seen as a turning point, with teammates like Nathan Aké praising his leadership both on and off the pitch. Yet, this latest setback raises questions about whether City can mount a serious challenge in the upcoming season without their talisman at full strength.
As City head into the offseason, the focus will be on Rodri’s recovery. Medical experts note that ACL injuries often require 9–12 months for a full return to peak performance, and setbacks are not uncommon as players push their bodies back to elite-level demands. With six weeks until the Premier League opener, City’s medical team will be working tirelessly to ensure Rodri is ready to face Wolves. Guardiola remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for rest and careful management to bring his star back to his best.
For Manchester City fans, the news of Rodri’s setback is a bitter pill to swallow. The Club World Cup exit was a disappointment, but the prospect of their midfield maestro facing another spell on the sidelines is a far greater concern. As the team regroups for the 2025-26 season, all eyes will be on Rodri’s rehabilitation, with hopes that the Ballon d’Or winner can defy the odds once more and lead City back to the top.